Voice-enhanced diagnostic medical ultrasound system and review station

ABSTRACT

The preferred embodiments described herein relate to voice-enhanced diagnostic medical ultrasound imaging systems and review stations as well as to voice-related user interfaces. With these preferred embodiments, a user can interact with an imaging system or review station by issuing verbal commands instead of using a mouse, keyboard, or other user interface that requires physical manipulation by the user. This provides a very user-friendly interface, especially to those users who have difficulty navigating complex window and menu hierarchies or who have trouble manipulating pointing devices. This also improves patient flow and provides a more efficient report generation system. Voice feedback can also be used to allow the imaging system or review station to better communicate with a user.

BACKGROUND

[0001] There are several steps involved in providing a diagnosis of apatient based on an ultrasound examination. First, the ultrasoundexamination is performed on an ultrasound imaging system. The imagesgenerated from this examination can then be digitally stored andreviewed by a physician on an ultrasound review station, which istypically coupled with an ultrasound imaging system though a network.The ultrasound review station can display images, text, and measurementand calculation data and can also be used to facilitate the productionof ultrasound examination reports. Based on his analysis at the reviewstation, the physician generates an ultrasound examination report toprovide a diagnosis. Often, a physician will dictate his diagnosis ontoan audio tape or recording system, and the diagnosis is latertranscribed and entered into an ultrasound examination report.Alternatively, the diagnosis can be typed into the ultrasound imagingsystem.

[0002] To assist in the performance of an ultrasound examination, someultrasound imaging systems allow voice control of some of the operationsof the system. Typically, a voice recognition unit, which is either partof or separate from the ultrasound imaging system's processor, convertsan incoming voice signal to a control signal using voice informationstored in the voice recognition unit. To enhance recognitionperformance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,654, which is assigned to the assigneeof the present invention, describes an ultrasound imaging system inwhich a subset of voice information is used based on the operating stateof the ultrasound imaging system. Specifically, the ultrasound imagingsystem's processor provides the voice recognition unit with anindication of its operating state, and the voice recognition unitselects only the portions the voice information that are relevant to theoperating state. Because the voice recognition unit makes the selectionbased on the provided indication of operating state, the voicerecognition unit and processor must be synchronized to ensure properselection, especially when the processor is shipped separately from thevoice recognition unit and when the processor is updated withoutupdating the voice recognition unit.

[0003] To assist the physician review ultrasound images at a reviewstation, graphical user interfaces have been used to provide a moreuser-friendly environment for the physician. Typically, these graphicaluser interfaces have windows, menus, and buttons, and a visual focusmanipulated by a pointing device such as a mouse, keyboard, ortrackball. Ultrasound review stations often have so many functions thatapplications are divided into hierarchies of menus and sub-menus,dialogs and sub-dialogs, and windows and sub-windows. Although graphicaluser interfaces were intended to facilitate interaction with the reviewstation, some users have difficulty finding the desired functionality inthe complex windows and menu hierarchies. Some users also find itdifficult to fluidly manipulate pointing devices that require click anddouble-click actions.

[0004] Finally, to reduce the time needed to produce an ultrasoundexamination report and to improve the overall diagnostic workflow for apatient, automatic transcription systems have been used, such asMedspeak from IBM, Clinical Reporter from Lernout & Hauspie, andPowerscribe from the MRC Group. These systems are stand-alone deviceswith specialized vocabularies and are not incorporated with theultrasound imaging system or review station. Some transcription systemsattempt to transcribe every word voiced by the physician. Because oflimitations in current transcription technology, these systems oftenproduce inaccurate transcriptions. To overcome this problem, somesystems reduce the amount of automatic dictation that is needed bycreating macros, which, when spoken, trigger a longer text to beinserted into the report. Although typically more accurate thanautomatic dictation systems, these systems also encounter recognitionproblems. To further enhance accuracy, some systems use inline-stylemacro displays, in which a proposed textual phrase is displayed to auser for acceptance. Because these systems only need to recognize thecommand to accept or reject the proposed textual phrase, recognitionaccuracy is increased. However, presenting proposed textual phrases to auser can be a time consuming process, especially if the user rejectsseveral proposed phrases before reaching an acceptable phrase.

[0005] There is, therefore, a need for an improved diagnostic medicalultrasound imaging system and review station to overcome the problemsdescribed above.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention is defined by the following claims, andnothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims.

[0007] By way of introduction, the preferred embodiments described belowrelate to voice-enhanced diagnostic medical ultrasound imaging systemsand review stations as well as to voice-related user interfaces. Withthese preferred embodiments, a user can interact with an imaging systemor review station by issuing verbal commands instead of using a mouse,keyboard, or other user interface that requires physical manipulation bythe user. This provides a very user-friendly interface, especially tothose users who have difficulty navigating complex window and menuhierarchies or who have trouble manipulating pointing devices. This alsoimproves patient flow and provides a more efficient report generationsystem. Voice feedback can also be used to allow the imaging system orreview station to better communicate with a user.

[0008] The preferred embodiments will now be described with reference tothe attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an operation of a voicerecognition unit of a preferred embodiment.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a voice recognition unit ofa preferred embodiment receiving voice information from an ultrasoundimaging system or review station processor.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a voice recognition unit ofa preferred embodiment receiving voice information from a server.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a preferred method for using voicecommands to insert a textual phrase into a section of an ultrasoundexamination report.

[0013]FIG. 5 is an illustration of several preferred ultrasoundexamination reports.

[0014]FIG. 6 is an illustration of a displayed ultrasound examinationreport of a preferred embodiment.

[0015]FIG. 7 is an illustration of a displayed ultrasound examinationreport of another preferred embodiment in which a menu of availablecommands is displayed along with the report.

[0016]FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a preferred method for using voicecommands to display a marker on an ultrasound image.

[0017] FIGS. 9-11 are illustrations of preferred displayed ultrasoundimages used in conjunction with the preferred method of the flow chartof FIG. 8.

[0018]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a network arrangement of a preferredembodiment.

[0019]FIG. 13 is a block diagram of another network arrangement of apreferred embodiment.

[0020]FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an operation of a voiceproduction unit of a preferred embodiment.

[0021]FIG. 15 is an illustration of a preferred transducer having abuilt-in microphone.

[0022]FIG. 16 is an illustration of a preferred transducer having anattached microphone.

[0023]FIG. 17 is an illustration of a preferred transducer having abuilt-in slider.

[0024]FIG. 18 is an illustration of a preferred transducer having anattached slider.

[0025]FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a preferred method for using voicecommands to assign a function to an ultrasound imaging system orultrasound review station user interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Voice Recognition Unit

[0027] A voice recognition unit can be used to provide voiced commandsto an ultrasound imaging system or review station, and FIG. 1 provides ablock diagram of a voice recognition unit 10 of a preferred embodiment.As shown in FIG. 1, the voice recognition unit 10 is coupled with avoice input device 15 (such as a microphone) and a processor 20 of anultrasound imaging system or review station. As used herein, the term“coupled with” means directly coupled with or indirectly coupled withthrough one or more components. It is preferred that the voicerecognition unit 10 comprise a recognition engine (such as one availablefrom Dragon Systems, IBM, Lernout & Hauspie, or Entropic Ltd.) and avoice technology software interface (such as SAPI 4.x from MicrosoftCorp., SRAPI, JSAPI java from Sun Microsystems Corp., or SVAPI).

[0028] In regard to architecture, the voice recognition unit 10 can beseparate from the processor 20, such as when the voice recognition unit10 takes the form of software running on a separate processor. In oneembodiment, the separate processor is a general-purpose computerdirectly coupled with the ultrasound imaging system or review station.For example, a general-purpose computer can be directly connected to anultrasound imaging system and carried on the system cart, therebyappearing to a user to be integrated with the system. As describedbelow, a separate processor can also be located in a server coupled withthe ultrasound imaging system or review station through a network. Inanother preferred embodiment, some or all of the functionality of thevoice control unit 10 is implemented with the ultrasound imagingsystem's or review station's processor 20.

[0029] For simplicity, the term “voice recognition unit” is used in thespecification and claims to broadly refer to hardware and/or softwarecomponents that use voice information to recognize an incoming voicesignal from a voice input device 15 to generate and provide a commandsignal to a processor 20 of an ultrasound imaging system or reviewstation. As used herein, the term “voice information” refers to datathat correlates a set of voice signals (e.g., voiced commands from auser) with an associated set of respective command signals recognizableby the processor of the ultrasound imaging system or review station. Theterm “set” in the specification and claims refers to one or more thanone element. In addition to providing this recognition profile, voiceinformation can include engine usage information (e.g., percent of theCPU dedicated to recognition), user-adjustable recognition parameters(e.g., minimum volumes, timeouts to recognized complete and incompletephrases), and a list of voice input devices and their capabilities thatthe user trained with and that the recognition profile is appropriatefor. Voice information can also include user-specific voice commands andnon-GUI user-specific voice parameters, such as preferred speak-backvoice, dictation parameters, and dialog parameters. The recognitionengine of the voice recognition unit 10 compares the incoming voicesignal with the recognition profile of the voice information todetermine which command signal should be sent to the processor 20. Toenhance recognition performance, it is preferred that afinite-state-machine language description (e.g., Backus-Naurer) be usedto provide the voice recognition unit 10 with various forms of legalspeech and that a dictionary of synonyms be used to recognize equivalentvoiced commands.

[0030] Also as used herein, the term “command signal” is used to referto any signal that is recognizable by the processor 20 as an instructionto perform an operation or function performable by the processor 20(e.g., the selection of a field, window, or monitor). In addition tocontrolling some aspect of the ultrasound imaging system or reviewstation, a command signal can be a signal that provides the processor 20with a text or other message: For example, the command signal cancomprise a textual phrase that will be inserted into an ultrasoundexamination report.

[0031] Voice Information

[0032] As described above, the voice recognition unit 10 uses voiceinformation to generate a command signal in response to a voiced commandfrom a user. Voice information can be provided to the voice recognitionunit 10 by any appropriate source. In the preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 2, a server coupled with and integral with the ultrasound imagingsystem or review station processor 20 provides the voice information tothe voice recognition unit 10. With this preferred embodiment, theprocessor 20 can create voice information containing only those voiceand command signals that are relevant to the current operating state ofthe processor 20, thereby enhancing voice recognition. For example, ifan ultrasound review station is currently being used to generate anultrasound examination report for an obstetrics examination, theprocessor 20 can provide the voice recognition unit 10 with voiceinformation containing only those voice and command signals commonlyused with an obstetrics examination. Because the processor 20 providesvoice information and not merely an indication of operating state, theprocessor 20 and voice recognition unit 10 can operate independently,thereby eliminating the problems encountered in prior system when theprocessor and voice recognition unit were not synchronized.

[0033] The voice information can also be provided to the voicerecognition unit 20 by a server 25 externally coupled with the voicerecognition unit 20, as shown in FIG. 3 This preferred embodiment isparticularly useful in a network environment in which the server 25 iscoupled with several ultrasound imaging systems or review stations. Insuch an environment, voice information customized for a particular useris centrally located in the server 25. When that user identifies himselfto a device on the network, the user's customized voice information isprovided to the voice recognition unit of that device. This provides acoherent network environment in which commands are consistentlyrecognized. If the user changes the voice information when using thedevice (such as when the user corrects a misidentified word), thecentrally-stored voice information is updated as well. In this way, theuser is not only provided with greater access to his customized voiceinformation, but he is also given more opportunities to update the voiceinformation to enhance recognition performance. If a user is usingmultiple ultrasound devices on the network simultaneously, the voiceinformation that is accessed first or, alternatively, the voiceinformation that is the most up-to-date can be used.

[0034] To select customized voice information (stored in an externalserver 25 or in a server integrated with the ultrasound imaging systemor review station), the user can identify himself by providingnon-verbal identification information, such as by typing his user nameand password into a log-in screen. If the voice recognition unit 20comprises a speaker identification engine (such as Keyware by KeywareTechnologies or SpeakEZ Voice Print by T-Netix Inc.), the user can alsoidentify himself by providing verbal identification information. Forexample, with a speaker identification engine, the voice recognitionunit 20 can identify the user when he voices a command to the voiceinput device 15 or when he provides a voice sample to gain access to theultrasound system or review station, as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 5050/292), which ishereby incorporated by reference and assigned to the assignee of thepresent application.

[0035] Applications

[0036] As described above, the voice recognition unit 10 can beimplemented in either an ultrasound imaging system or an ultrasoundreview station to control the operation of the system or station. Forexample, by using the voice recognition unit 10 with an ultrasoundreview station, instructions to the review station can be given usingvoice commands instead of or in combination with using a mouse,keyboard, or other user interface that requires physical manipulation bythe user. A verbal interface provides a user with a much moreuser-friendly interface, especially for those users who have difficultyfinding the desired function in complex window and menu hierarchies orwho have trouble manipulating pointing devices. With the voicerecognition unit 10, a user can instruct the review station to view adesired report, worksheet, study list, or image. The user can also usevoice commands to navigate through display information (e.g., “pageup”), respond to visual requests (e.g., “press ok”), and performoperations (e.g., “zoom image 5”). The voice command can also beassociated with multiple operations. For example, the command “useequation A to calculate birth weight” can trigger the ultrasound reviewsystem to perform the requested calculation and place the result into aparticular section of an ultrasound examination report. Such operationscan reference imaging, post-processing, and computational andcalculation data.

[0037] The following is a description of specific implementations ofmethods that can be performed with a voice recognition unit. Forsimplicity, the following embodiments will be described in terms of anultrasound review station. It is important to note that all of theseimplementation can also be implemented on an ultrasound imaging systemand that one or more of these applications can be used in combination.

[0038] In one preferred embodiment, the voice recognition unit 10implements a method for using voiced commands to insert a textual phraseinto a section of an ultrasound examination report. As used herein, theterm “phrase” refers to a string of one or more characters, such as oneor more letters, words, numbers, or symbols, and the term “insert”refers to inserting, overwriting, replacing, and/or adding at aspecified location. Such a method is illustrated in the flow chart ofFIG. 4. The first step in this method is to receive a voice request tocreate an ultrasound examination report (40). As shown in FIG. 5, thereare typically several types of ultrasound examination reports availableto the user. Each report is associated with a particular type ofultrasound examination. For example, an ultrasound examination reportcan be used to provide information about a normal obstetrics examination50, a stress-echo examination 52, or a vascular examination 54. Eachreport also has at least one section that will accept information from auser. For example, the normal obstetrics examination report 50 includespatient history, fetal weight, fetal anatomy, and diagnosis sections.

[0039] In response to the voiced request to create a particularultrasound examination report, the ultrasound review station displaysthe report template to the user. For example, if the user requests anormal obstetrics examination report, the template with the sectionsassociated with such a report is displayed to the user, as shown in FIG.6. The user is also informed which section in the report is active(i.e., which section will received input from the user). For example, acursor positioned in the diagnosis section would inform the user thatthe diagnosis section will receive input.

[0040] Next, a voiced command is received from the user to insert atextual phrase into the active section (41). Preferably, the voicedcommand is a single word or short phrase that triggers a macro for theinsertion of a longer textual phrase into the report. For example, thecommand “normal diagnosis” can be associated with the textual phrase“There is no evidence of abnormal development. The fetus is normal” Toassist the user in selecting a command, the available voice commands forthe active section can be provided to the user, for example, bydisplaying a menu of available commands for that section. In the exampleshown in FIG. 7, the menu 70 informs the user that the commands “normaldiagnosis,” “retarded growth,” “normal anatomy,” and “long neck” areavailable for the diagnosis section. In one preferred embodiment, themenu is automatically displayed to the user, while in another preferredembodiment, the menu is provided and/or removed in response to a verbalrequest from the user.

[0041] To increase recognition performance, each section of the reportcan be associated with a respective set of textual phrases. To convertthe voiced command into a textual phrase, first the set of textualphrases associated with the active section is identified (42), and thenthe voiced command is converted into one of the textual phrases from theset (43). By basing the conversion on only those textual phrasesassociated with the active section instead of all available textualphrases, recognition performance is enhanced. Finally, the textualphrase is inserted into the section (44). This method can be usedinstead of or in conjunction with a pure transcription service.Additionally, a user can voice commands to perform an editing operation(e.g., cut-and-paste) to the ultrasound examination report or to insertan ultrasound image into the report.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the voice recognition unit isused to place a marker on an ultrasound image displayed on a displaydevice of an ultrasound review station. As used herein, the term“marker” is intended to broadly refer to any textual word or phase orany graphic that can be displayed on an ultrasound image displayed on adisplay device of an ultrasound imaging system or review station. Amarker includes, but is not limited to, a word or phase used to identifyanatomy and a geometric shape (such as a square or circle) used toidentify a region of interest.

[0043]FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a preferred method for using voicecommands to display a marker on an ultrasound image, which will beillustrated in conjunction with the ultrasound images shown in FIGS.9-11. FIG. 9 is an illustration of an ultrasound image 90 displayed on adisplay device 92 of an ultrasound review station. When the user desiresto place a marker on the ultrasound image 90, he positions a pointer 94over the location on the ultrasound image 90 where he wishes to placethe marker After the pointer is positioned, the user issues a voicecommand to display the marker on the image (80). For example, if theuser wishes to label the image 90 under the pointer 94 with the word“lung,” he would issue a voiced command such as “lung.”When voicecommands are used for a plurality of applications, it is preferred toprovide the system with a voiced command indicating that a subsequentvoiced command will be associated with a marker. For example, the voicedcommand “label” can be given before every voiced command for a marker toinform the system that it should display the marker associated with thefirst subsequent voiced command. Alternatively, the voiced command“label on” can be given once, and all subsequent voiced commands can beconverted to markers until the voiced command “label off” is given oruntil another command is issued that implicitly ends labeling.

[0044] Next, the received voiced command is converted into a markerdisplayable on the display device (82). In one embodiment, the receivedvoiced command is compared to the system's entire voice information todetermine which marker is associated with the voiced command. To improverecognition, it is preferred that only a subset of the voice informationbe used to convert the voiced command into a marker. Preferably,ultrasound images are classified by a study type, and only those markersassociated with that study type are used to convert the voiced commandinto a marker. An indication of the study type can be provided with theimage, or the system can analyze the image to determine the set ofanatomical regions and the corresponding vocabulary.

[0045] After the voiced command is converted to a marker, the marker isdisplayed on the ultrasound image (84). As shown in FIG. 10, the word“lung” is displayed on the ultrasound image 90 at the locationidentified by the pointer 94 in FIG. 9. In this way, a user can rapidlyname structure and apply markers identifying that structure to therelevant parts of an image. As mentioned above, a geometric shape can beused as a marker. This finds particular application when a sonographernotices a diagnostic region of interest that a physician should reviewbut does not wish to alarm the patient In this case, the sonographer canposition the pointer 94 over a location of the ultrasound image (asshown in FIG. 10) and issue a voiced command, such as “rectangle.” Thisvoiced command results in a rectangle 96 displayed on the image 90, asshown in FIG. 11.

[0046] In the embodiment describe above, a user first positioned apointer over an ultrasound image, and the marker was placed on the imageat the location identified by the pointer. In an alternate embodiment,the marker that is displayed on the ultrasound image can be positionedby the user with a pointing device such as a mouse. Pressing the mousebutton would pin the marker in place. Further, a voiced command can beconverted into a plurality of markers that are each positioned by theuser. For example, if the user says “tumors,” multiple “tumor” markersare displayed. The user then can use a pointing device to drag and dropeach marker at the appropriate location on the image. Additionally, theuser can position the pointer over a displayed marker and voice acommand to copy or delete the marker.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 12, a firstultrasound device 100 comprising a voice input device 110 and a voicerecorder 120 is coupled with a server 130 comprising a voice storagedevice 140. The server 130 is also coupled with a second ultrasounddevice 150 comprising a voice recognition unit 160. As used in thispreferred embodiment and those described below, the term “ultrasounddevice” is intended to define either an ultrasound imaging system or anultrasound review station. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG.12, the first ultrasound device 100 can be an ultrasound imaging system,and the second ultrasound device 150 can be an ultrasound reviewstation.

[0048] With the network relationship shown in FIG. 12, voice signalsprovided to the voice input device 110 of the first ultrasound device100 are converted into digital form by the voice recorder 120 and aretransmitted for storage in the voice storage device 140 of the server130. These stored voice signals can then be transmitted to the secondultrasound device 150 for conversion by its voice recognition unit 160.In one alternate embodiment, instead of using a network relationship,voice signals can be transferred from the first ultrasound device 100via a portable storage device, such as a magneto-optical disc, or via acommunication link (such as a cable) directly coupling the first andsecond ultrasound devices 100, 150. In another alternate embodimentshown in FIG. 13, the server 230 has a voice recognition unit 240 andsupplies the second ultrasound device 250 with a command signal insteadof a voice signal. In yet another alternate embodiment, the server 230provide several ultrasound devices in the ultrasound network with thecommand signal. This is particularly useful in teaching environments, inwhich the command signal can be used to control several devices on thenetwork. Also, the first and second ultrasound devices can be the samedevice, such as when an ultrasound imaging system provides voicedcommands to the server, and the server returns command signals to theultrasound imaging system.

[0049] These preferred embodiments are particularly useful when thefirst ultrasound device is an ultrasound imaging system and the secondultrasound device is an ultrasound review station. After an ultrasoundexamination is performed with the ultrasound imaging system, a user candictate information into the voice input device for a report to begenerated for the examination on the review station. The dictatedinformation is recorded by a voice recorder of the ultrasoundexamination system, and the voice data is provided to the ultrasoundimaging system via the server or portable storage device. The voicerecognition unit of the server or ultrasound review station transcribesthe voice data and inserts the transcription into an ultrasoundexamination report. The above-described embodiments associated withgenerating an ultrasound examination report can be used to enhancerecognition. For example, in dictating a Normal OB report, the user canutter: “Diagnosis section: Normal diagnosis”. On conversion, the command“normal diagnosis” would be trigger a macro to provide a textual phrasein the diagnosis section of a Normal OB report.

[0050] Voice Feedback

[0051] A voice production unit can be used with to provide voicefeedback with an ultrasound imaging system or review station, and FIG.14 provides a block diagram of a voice production unit 310 of apreferred embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the voice production unit 310is coupled with a voice output device 320 (such a speaker) and aprocessor 300 of an ultrasound imaging system or review station. As withthe voice recognition unit, the voice production unit 310 can comprisehardware and/or software components. A suitable voice production unit310 can be purchased from Dragon Systems, Elan Informatique, IBM,Microsoft, Eloquent, Lernout & Hasupie, and AcuVoice. The voiceproduction unit 310 can generate a synthesized or prerecorded voice. Inoperation, the processor 300 provides the voice production unit 310 witha voice output signal. The voice production unit 310 converts thissignal to a voice signal and provides the voice signal to the voiceoutput device 320.

[0052] With a voice production unit 310, an ultrasound imaging system orreview station can bring information to the user's attention using voicefeedback instead of or along with displaying such information visually.In this way, the ultrasound imaging system or review station cancommunicate with a user without cluttering a display screen.Additionally, voice feedback can be used to provide the user withinformation that is of interest but not important enough to meritdistracting the user by presenting it visually. In this way theinformation can be provided to the user as background audio, which theuser can choose to ignore. The voice production unit can be used with orintegrated with a voice recognition unit, such as when the voiceproduction unit and the voice recognition unit share some or all or itshardware and/or software components. An ultrasound imaging system orreview station using both a voice recognition unit and a voiceproduction unit can provide a fluid voice environment. For example,voice feedback can be used to confirm an action (“Are-you-sure?”) andcan also be used to reply to a voiced request (e.g., User asks, “Is thestudy in room 10 done? and the system responds in voice, “The study iscomplete and prior studies are being obtained”). The voice productionunit can also be used to provide verbal alerts, the status of a voicerecognition unit, and an indication of a completion-of an activity. Toavoid interruptions, the user can also command the system not to providevoice feedback.

[0053] Voice-Related User Interfaces

[0054] There are several voice-related user interfaces that can be usedwith an ultrasound imaging system or review station. A user can issuevoiced commands to an ultrasound imaging system or review station via aheadset, a wireless microphone (such as a microphone manufactured byShure), an attached microphone, or an array microphone. To allow a userto work closer to a patient, the ultrasound transducer shown in FIGS. 15and 16 can be used. FIG. 15 is an illustration of a preferred ultrasoundtransducer 400. This ultrasound transducer 400 has at least onetransducer element and a microphone 405. Both the transducer element(s)and microphone 405 provide electrical signals to an ultrasound imagingsystem coupled with the ultrasound transducer 400. In the transducer 400shown in FIG. 15, the microphone 405 is built-into the transducer 400,and a single electrical connector 407 carries the electrical signalsfrom the transducer element(s) and the microphone 405 to the ultrasoundimaging system. In FIG. 16, the microphone 415 is added onto thetransducer 410 as a removably-coupled component, which has an electricalconnector 417 that is separate from the connector 412 used to carryelectrical signals from the transducer element(s), although anyappropriate number of connectors (including a single connector) can beused.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment, voice commands can be used toassign a function to a user interface device built into or attached toan ultrasound imaging system or ultrasound review station. The userinterface device can take any suitable form (such as, but not limitedto, a wheel, button, trackball, slider, and knob) attached directly orindirectly to the ultrasound imaging system or review station. Forexample, the user interface can be a pre-existing button on anultrasound review station keyboard or a specially-designed knob added toan ultrasound imaging system. The user interface device can also be partof or attached to an ultrasound transducer. For example, FIG. 17 is anillustration of an ultrasound transducer 420 with a built-in slider 425,and FIG. 18 is an illustration of an ultrasound transducer 430 with aremovably-attached slider 435. Although two separate electricalconnectors are shown in FIG. 17, a single connector can be used. Withthe user interface device on the transducer, continuous or button-typecontrols previously located at the ultrasound imaging system can bemanipulated at a distance.

[0056]FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a preferred method for using voicecommands to assign a function to an ultrasound imaging system orultrasound review station user interface. First, a voiced command fromthe user is received (500). This voiced command is converted into afunction (510), and the function is assigned to a user interface device(520). When the user manipulates the user interface device causing it totransmit a signal to the processor of the ultrasound imaging system orreview station, the assigned function is performed (530).

[0057] With these preferred embodiments, the function of a userinterface device can be easily changed by voice, such as when anultrasound transducer has both a built-in depressible wheel and anattached microphone. As a user is performing an ultrasound examination,he speaks the word “gain” into the microphone of the ultrasoundtransducer. The ultrasound imaging system would then assign the gainfunction to the wheel. When the user scrolls the wheel forward, theultrasound imaging system would increase the gain, and when the userscrolls the wheel backwards, the ultrasound imaging system woulddecrease the gain. If the user then says “image,” an image would begenerated when the user presses the depressible wheel. In this way, byissuing simple voice commands, the user can control a variety offunctions with a single user interface device. Of course multiple userinterface devices can be used in combination.

[0058] Appendix A provides further details of a presently preferredembodiment. Additionally, while the above-preferred embodiments weredescribed above with respect to an ultrasound review station, reviewstations for use with other imaging modalities can be used.

[0059] The foregoing detailed description has described only a few ofthe many forms that this invention can take. Of course, many changes andmodifications are possible to the preferred embodiments described above.For this reason it is intended that this detailed description beregarded as an illustration and not as a limitation of the invention. Itis only the following claims, including all equivalents, that areintended to define the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ultrasound review station comprising: a voiceinput device; a processor; and a voice recognition unit coupled with thevoice input device and processor, the voice recognition unit beingoperative to convert a voice signal received from the voice input deviceinto a command signal recognizable by the processor.
 2. The ultrasoundreview station of claim 1, wherein the command signal instructs theprocessor to display an ultrasound image.
 3. The ultrasound reviewstation of claim 1, wherein the command signal instructs the processorto display an ultrasound examination report.
 4. The ultrasound reviewstation of claim 1, wherein the command signal instructs the processorto insert a textual phrase into an ultrasound examination report.
 5. Theultrasound review station of claim 1, wherein the command signalinstructs the processor to insert an ultrasound image into an ultrasoundexamination report.
 6. The ultrasound review station of claim 1, whereinthe command signal instructs the processor to perform an editingoperation within an ultrasound examination report.
 7. The ultrasoundreview station of claim 1, wherein the command signal instructs theprocessor to navigate through displayed information.
 8. The ultrasoundreview station of claim 1, wherein the command signal instructs theprocessor to display a marker on an ultrasound image.
 9. The ultrasoundreview station of claim 1 further comprising a display device coupledwith the processor, and wherein the command signal instructs theprocessor to display available voice commands on the display device. 10.The ultrasound review station of claim 1, wherein the command signalselects a focus.
 11. The ultrasound review station of claim 1 furthercomprising a plurality of display devices coupled with the processor,and wherein the command signal instructs the processor to select one ofsaid plurality of display devices.
 12. The ultrasound review station ofclaim 1 further comprising: a voice output device; and a voiceproduction unit coupled with the processor and the voice output device,the voice production unit being operative to convert a voice outputsignal from the processor into a voice reproducible by the voice outputdevice.
 13. The ultrasound review station of claim 12, wherein the voicerecognition unit and the voice production unit are integrated.
 14. Anultrasound review station comprising: a voice output device; aprocessor; and a voice production unit coupled with the processor andthe voice output device, the voice production unit being operative toconvert a voice output signal from the processor into a voicereproducible by the voice output device.
 15. The ultrasound reviewstation of claim 14, wherein the voice reproducible by the voice outputdevice asks the user to confirm a command.
 16. The ultrasound reviewstation of claim 14, wherein the voice reproducible by the voice outputdevice provides the user with a verbal alert.
 17. The ultrasound reviewstation of claim 14, wherein the voice reproducible by the voice outputdevice provides an answer to a query presented to the processor by auser.
 18. The ultrasound review station of claim 14, wherein the voicereproducible by the voice output device provides the user a status of avoice recognition unit.
 19. The ultrasound review station of claim 14,wherein the voice reproducible by the voice output device provides anindication of a completion of an activity.
 20. The ultrasound reviewstation of claim 14 further comprising: a voice input device; and avoice recognition unit coupled with the voice input device andprocessor, the voice recognition unit being operative to convert a voicesignal received from the voice input device into a command signalrecognizable by the processor.
 21. The ultrasound review station ofclaim 20, wherein the voice recognition unit and the voice productionunit are integrated.
 22. An ultrasound imaging system comprising; aprocessor; a voice output device; and a voice production unit coupledwith the processor and the voice output device, the voice productionunit being operative to convert a voice output signal from the processorinto a voice reproducible by the voice output device.
 23. The ultrasoundimaging system of claim 22, wherein the voice reproducible by the voiceoutput device asks the user to confirm a command.
 24. The ultrasoundimaging system of claim 22, wherein the voice reproducible by the voiceoutput device provides the user with a verbal alert.
 25. The ultrasoundimaging system of claim 22, wherein the voice reproducible by the voiceoutput device provides an answer to a query presented to the processorby a user.
 26. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 22, wherein thevoice reproducible by the voice output device provides the user with astatus of a voice recognition unit.
 27. The ultrasound imaging system ofclaim 22, wherein the voice reproducible by the voice output deviceprovides an indication of a completion of an activity.
 28. Theultrasound imaging system of claim 22 further comprising: a voice inputdevice; and a voice recognition unit coupled with the voice input deviceand processor, the voice recognition unit being operative to convert avoice signal received from the voice input device into a command signalrecognizable by the processor.
 29. The ultrasound imaging system ofclaim 28, wherein the voice recognition unit and the voice productionunit are integrated.
 30. A method for converting a received voicedcommand into a command signal recognizable by an ultrasound imagingsystem processor, the method comprising: (a) with an ultrasound imagingsystem processor, providing a voice recognition unit with voiceinformation correlating a set of command signals recognizable by theultrasound imaging system processor with an associated set of respectivevoiced commands; (b) with the voice recognition unit, receiving a voicedcommand; and (c) converting the received voiced command into a commandsignal using the voice information provided by the ultrasound imagingsystem processor.
 31. The method of claim 30 further comprising: (d)with the voice recognition unit, providing the command signal to theultrasound imaging system processor.
 32. A method for converting areceived voiced command into a command signal recognizable by anultrasound review station processor, the method comprising: (a) with anultrasound review station processor, providing a voice recognition unitwith voice information correlating a set of command signals recognizableby the ultrasound review station processor with an associated set ofrespective voiced commands; (b) with the voice recognition unit,receiving a voiced command; and (c) converting the received voicedcommand into a command signal using the voice information provided bythe ultrasound review station processor.
 33. The method of claim 32further comprising: (d) with the voice recognition unit, providing thecommand signal to the ultrasound review station processor.
 34. A methodfor providing an ultrasound imaging system with voice information, themethod comprising: (a) identifying a user of an ultrasound imagingsystem; (b) providing a server coupled with the ultrasound imagingsystem with the identity of the user; and (c) with the server, providingthe ultrasound imaging system with voice information associated with theuser.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein (b) comprises providing aserver in an ultrasound network coupled with the ultrasound imagingsystem with the identity of the user.
 36. The method of claim 34,wherein (b) comprises providing a server integral with the ultrasoundimaging system with the identity of the user.
 37. The method of claim34, wherein (c) comprises with the server, providing the ultrasoundimaging system with voice information associated with the user, saidvoice information correlating a set of command signals recognizable bythe ultrasound imaging system processor with an associated set ofrespective voiced commands.
 38. The method of claim 34, wherein (c)comprises with the server, providing the ultrasound imaging system withvoice information associated with the user, said voice informationcorrelating a set of voice output signals transmitted by the ultrasoundimaging system processor with an associated set of voice phrasesreproducible by a voice output device of the ultrasound imaging system.39. The method of claim 34 further comprising (d) providing the serverwith a change to the voice information.
 40. The method of claim 34,wherein (a) comprises: (a1) receiving identification information fromthe user; and (a2) identifying the user based on the receivedidentification information.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein (a1)comprises receiving verbal identification information from the user. 42.The method of claim 41, wherein (a1) comprises receiving verbalidentification information from the user in response to anidentification request from the ultrasound imaging system.
 43. Themethod of claim 40, wherein (a1) comprises receiving non-verbalidentification information from the user.
 44. A method for providing anultrasound review station with voice information, the method comprising:(a) identifying a user of an ultrasound review station; (b) providing aserver coupled with the ultrasound review station with the identity ofthe user; and (c) with the server, providing the ultrasound reviewstation with voice information associated with the user.
 45. The methodof claim 44, wherein (b) comprises providing a server in an ultrasoundnetwork coupled with the ultrasound review station with the identity ofthe user.
 46. The method of claim 44, wherein (b) comprises providing aserver integral with the ultrasound review station with the identity ofthe user.
 47. The method of claim 44, wherein (c) comprises with theserver, providing the ultrasound review station with voice informationassociated with the user, said voice information correlating a set ofcommand signals recognizable by the ultrasound review station processorwith an associated set of respective voiced commands.
 48. The method ofclaim 44, wherein (c) comprises with the server, providing theultrasound review station with voice information associated with theuser, said voice information correlating a set of voice output signalstransmitted by the ultrasound review station processor with anassociated set of voice phrases reproducible by a voice output device ofthe ultrasound review station.
 49. The method of claim 44 furthercomprising (d) providing the server with a correction to the voiceinformation.
 50. The method of claim 44, wherein (a) comprises: (a1)receiving identification information from the user; and (a2) identifyingthe user based on the received identification information.
 51. Themethod of claim 50, wherein (a1) comprises receiving verbalidentification information from the user.
 52. The method of claim 51,wherein (a1) comprises receiving verbal identification information fromthe user in response to an identification request from the ultrasoundreview station.
 53. The method of claim 50, wherein (a1) comprisesreceiving non-verbal identification information from the user.
 54. Amethod for using voice commands to insert a textual phrase into asection of an ultrasound examination report, the method comprising: (a)receiving a voiced command from a voice input device of an ultrasoundimaging system to insert a textual phrase into a section of anultrasound examination report; (b) identifying a set of textual phrasesassociated with the section; (c) converting the received voiced commandinto a textual phrase selected from the set of textual phrasesidentified in (b); and (d) inserting the textual phrase selected in (c)into the section.
 55. The method of claim 54 further comprisingreceiving a voiced request to create an ultrasound examination report,the ultrasound examination report comprising a plurality of sectionsassociated with a respective set of textual phrases.
 56. The method ofclaim 54 further comprising automatically displaying a set of availablevoice commands associated with the section.
 57. The method of claim 54further comprising: (e) receiving a voiced request for a display of aset of available voice commands associated with the section; and (f)displaying the set of available voice commands associated with thesection in response to the voiced request received in (e).
 58. Themethod of claim 54, wherein (a) comprises receiving a voiced command toinsert a textual phrase into a section of an ultrasound examinationreport displayed on an ultrasound imaging system.
 59. The method ofclaim 54, wherein (a) comprises receiving a voiced command to insert atextual phrase into a section of an ultrasound examination reportdisplayed on an ultrasound review station.
 60. The method of claim 54further comprising: (e) receiving a voiced request to insert an imageinto a section of the ultrasound examination report; and (f) insertingthe image into the ultrasound examination report in response to thevoiced request received in (e).
 61. The method of claim 54 furthercomprising: (e) receiving a voiced request to edit a section of theultrasound examination report; and (f) editing the section of theultrasound examination report in response to the voiced request receivedin (e).
 62. A method for using voice commands to insert a textual phraseinto a section of an ultrasound examination report, the methodcomprising: (a) receiving a voiced command from a voice input device ofan ultrasound review station to insert a textual phrase into a sectionof an ultrasound examination report; (b) identifying a set of textualphrases associated with the section; (c) converting the received voicedcommand into a textual phrase selected from the set of textual phrasesidentified in (b); and (d) inserting the textual phrase selected in (c)into the section.
 63. The method of claim 62 further comprisingreceiving a voiced request to create an ultrasound examination report,the ultrasound examination report comprising a plurality of sectionsassociated with a respective set of textual phrases.
 64. The method ofclaim 62 further comprising automatically displaying a set of availablevoice commands associated with the section.
 65. The method of claim 62further comprising: (e) receiving a voiced request for a display of aset of available voice commands associated with the section; and (f)displaying the set of available voice commands associated with thesection in response to the voiced request received in (e).
 66. Themethod of claim 62, wherein (a) comprises receiving a voiced command toinsert a textual phrase into a section of an ultrasound examinationreport displayed on an ultrasound imaging system.
 67. The method ofclaim 62, wherein (a) comprises receiving a voiced command to insert atextual phrase into a section of an ultrasound examination reportdisplayed on an ultrasound review station.
 68. The method of claim 62further comprising: (e) receiving a voiced request to insert an imageinto a section of the ultrasound examination report; and (f) insertingthe image into the ultrasound examination report in response to thevoiced request received in (e).
 69. The method of claim 62 furthercomprising: (e) receiving a voiced request to edit a section of theultrasound examination report; and (f) editing the section of theultrasound examination report in response to the voiced request receivedin (e).
 70. A method for using voice commands to display a marker on anultrasound image, the method comprising: (a) receiving a voiced commandfrom a user; (b) converting the received voiced command into a markerdisplayable on a display device; and (c) displaying the marker on anultrasound image displayed on the display device.
 71. The method ofclaim 70, wherein (b) comprises converting the received voiced commandinto at least one word, and wherein (c) comprises displaying said atleast one word on an ultrasound image displayed on the display device.72. The method of claim 71, wherein (b) comprises converting thereceived voiced command into at least one anatomical-identifying word,and wherein (c) comprises displaying said at least oneanatomical-identifying word on an ultrasound image displayed on thedisplay device.
 73. The method of claim 70, wherein (b) comprisesconverting the received voiced command into a geometric shape, andwherein (c) comprises displaying the geometric shape on an ultrasoundimage displayed on the display device.
 74. The method of claim 70,wherein an ultrasound image is associated with one of a plurality ofstudy types, wherein each of said plurality of study types is associatedwith a respective set of markers, and wherein (b) comprises: (b1)identifying a study type of the ultrasound image; (b1) identifying a setof markers associated with the study type; and (b2) converting thereceived voiced command into a marker selected from the set of markersidentified in (b2).
 75. The method of claim 70 further comprisingreceiving a voiced command from a user indicating that a subsequentvoiced command will be associated with a marker, said receivingoccurring before (a).
 76. The method of claim 70, wherein (c) comprisesdisplaying the marker on the ultrasound image at a position indicated bya pointer displayed on the ultrasound image.
 77. The method of claim 70,wherein (c) comprises selecting a location on the ultrasound image toposition the marker.
 78. The method of claim 70, wherein (b) comprisesconverting the received voiced command into a plurality of markers, andwherein (c) comprises selecting a plurality of locations on theultrasound image to respectively position each of the plurality ofmarkers.
 79. The method of claim 70 further comprising: (d) positioninga pointer over a marker displayed on the ultrasound image; (e) receivinga verbal delete command from a user; and (f) removing the marker fromthe ultrasound image in response to the received verbal delete command.80. The method of claim 70 further comprising: (d) positioning a pointerdisplayed on the ultrasound image over the marker; (e) receiving averbal copy command from the user; (f) creating a copy of the marker inresponse to the received verbal copy command; and (g) positioning thecopy of the marker on another location of the ultrasound image.
 81. Amethod for providing voice data from a first to a second ultrasounddevice, the method comprising: (a) receiving voice data with a firstultrasound device; (b) providing a second ultrasound device with thevoice data received in (a); and (c) with the second ultrasound device,converting the voice data into a command signal recognizable by aprocessor of the second ultrasound device, the first and secondultrasound devices being devices selected from the group of ultrasounddevices consisting of an ultrasound imaging system and an ultrasoundreview station.
 82. The method of claim 81, wherein (b) comprises: (b1)transmitting the voice data received in (a) to a server coupled with thefirst and second ultrasound devices; and (b2) with the server,transmitting the voice data received in (b1) to the second ultrasounddevice.
 83. The method of claim 81, wherein (b) comprises: (b1) storingthe voice data received in (a) on a portable storage device; and (b2)providing the portable storage device to the second ultrasound device.84. The method of claim 81, wherein (b) comprises transmitting the voicedata received in (a) to the second ultrasound device via a communicationlink directly coupling the first and second ultrasound devices.
 85. Amethod for providing a command signal from a first to a secondultrasound device, the method comprising: (a) receiving voice data witha first ultrasound device; (b) transmitting the voice data received in(a) to a server coupled with the first ultrasound device; and (c) withthe server, converting the voice data transmitted in (b) to a commandsignal recognizable by a processor of a second ultrasound device; and(d) with the server, providing the command signal to the secondultrasound device, the first and second ultrasound devices being devicesselected from the group of ultrasound devices consisting of anultrasound imaging system and an ultrasound review station.
 86. Themethod of claim 85 further comprising: (e) with the server, providingthe command signal to the third ultrasound device, the third ultrasounddevice being a device selected from the group of ultrasound devicesconsisting of an ultrasound imaging system and an ultrasound reviewstation.
 87. The method of claim 85, wherein the first ultrasound devicecomprises the second ultrasound device.
 88. An ultrasound transducercomprising: at least one transducer element; and a microphone; said atleast one transducer element and said microphone providing electricalsignals to an ultrasound imaging system coupled with the ultrasoundtransducer.
 89. The ultrasound transducer of claim 88, wherein themicrophone is built-into the ultrasound transducer.
 90. The ultrasoundtransducer of claim 88, wherein the microphone is removeably coupledwith the ultrasound transducer.
 91. A method for using voice commands toassign a function to an ultrasound imaging system or ultrasound reviewstation user interface, the method comprising: (a) receiving a voicedcommand from a user; (b) converting the received voiced command into afunction; (c) assigning the function to a user interface device; and (d)performing the function in response to a signal from the user interfacedevice.
 92. The method of claim 91, wherein (c) comprises assigning thefunction to a user interface device, the user interface device beingdepressible.
 93. The method of claim 91, wherein (c) comprises assigningthe function to a user interface device, the user interface device beingmovable.
 94. The method of claim 91, wherein (c) comprises assigning thefunction to a user interface device, the user interface device beingdepressible and movable.
 95. The method of claim 91, wherein (c)comprises assigning the function to a user interface device on anultrasound imaging system, and wherein (d) comprises performing thefunction in response to a signal from the user interface device on theultrasound imaging system.
 96. The method of claim 91, wherein (c)comprises assigning the function to a user interface device built intoan ultrasound transducer, and wherein (d) comprises performing thefunction in response to a signal from the user interface device builtinto the ultrasound transducer.
 97. The method of claim 91, wherein (c)comprises assigning the function to a user interface device removablycoupled with an ultrasound transducer, and wherein (d) comprisesperforming the function in response to a signal from the user interfacedevice removably coupled with the ultrasound transducer.
 98. The methodof claim 91, wherein (c) comprises assigning the function to a userinterface device on an ultrasound review station, and wherein (d)comprises performing the function in response to a signal from the userinterface device on the ultrasound review station.
 99. The method ofclaim 91, wherein (c) comprises assigning the function to a userinterface device selected from a group of user interface devicesconsisting of a wheel, a ball, a knob, a button, and a slider.
 100. Amethod for inserting text into an ultrasound examination report on anultrasound imaging system, the method comprising: (a) receiving a voicesignal from a voice input device of an ultrasound imaging system; (b)with the ultrasound imaging system, converting the voice signal intotext; and (c) with the ultrasound imaging system, inserting the textinto an ultrasound examination report.
 101. The method of claim 100,wherein (b) comprises converting the voice signal into text using avoice recognition unit of the ultrasound imaging system.
 102. Anultrasound imaging system comprising: a voice input device; and a voicerecognition unit coupled with the voice input device, the voicerecognition unit being operative to convert a voice signal received fromthe voice input device into text.
 103. The invention of claim 102,wherein the voice recognition unit is further operative to provide thetext to an ultrasound examination report.
 104. The invention of claim102 further comprising a processor coupled with the voice input device,wherein the voice recognition unit is implemented with the processor.105. The invention of claim 102 further comprising a processor coupledwith the voice input device and the voice recognition unit.
 106. Amethod for inserting text into an ultrasound examination report on anultrasound review station, the method comprising: (a) receiving a voicesignal from a voice input device of an ultrasound review station; (b)with the ultrasound review station, converting the voice signal intotext; and (c) with the ultrasound review station, inserting the textinto an ultrasound examination report.
 107. The method of claim 106,wherein (b) comprises converting the voice signal into text using avoice recognition unit of the ultrasound review station.
 108. Anultrasound review station comprising: a voice input device; and a voicerecognition unit coupled with the voice input device, the voicerecognition unit being operative to convert a voice signal received fromthe voice input device into text.
 109. The invention of claim 108,wherein the voice recognition unit is further operative to provide thetext to an ultrasound examination report.
 110. The invention of claim108 further comprising a processor coupled with the voice input device,wherein the voice recognition unit is implemented with the processor.111. The invention of claim 108 further comprising a processor coupledwith the voice input device and the voice recognition unit.
 112. Amethod for providing voice data from a first ultrasound device to asecond ultrasound device, the method comprising: (a) receiving voicedata from a voice input device of a first ultrasound device; (b)digitizing the voice data receiving in (a); and (c) transmitting thedigitized voice data from the first ultrasound device to a secondultrasound device, the first and second ultrasound devices beingselected from the group of ultrasound devices consisting of anultrasound imaging system and an ultrasound review station.
 113. Theinvention of claim 112, wherein (c) further comprises transmitting anultrasound image with the digitized voice data.
 114. The invention ofclaim 112, wherein (c) further comprises transmitting an ultrasoundexamination report with the digitized voice data.